Synchronous+Web-based

as well as supporting a Multi-User Virtual Environment (MUVE) or webinars. Due to bandwidth limitations, high-resolution images and video may be limited.
 * Defined**: Internet-based software and services delivered over the Web that enable synchronous audio or web conferencing, text chat, audio, video, document and application sharing, whiteboards, presentations, etc. Can support synchronous oral interaction between the instructor and remote students at multiple locations

> (Carol Ball September 8, 2009)  At this site you can find a journal written about Synchronous Web-Based Communication Using Text as a Means of Enhancing Discussion among students. Abstract:Purpose: To explore the use of asynchronous and synchronous text-based communication using the internet as a means of promoting discussion among a knowledge-building community of school students carrying out a science investigation. Design/methodology/approach: Activity theory is used to bring together the various theories associated with the study, both those framing the context and those concerned with data analysis. Logfiles from both asynchronous and synchronous discussion forums were analysed to identify critical incidents--sequences of interactions between students indicating significant discussions concerned with knowledge-building--which were then the subject of critical incident recall through group interviews with the students involved. This method of data analysis allows the subjects of the research to engage in the construction of meaning, giving access to aspects of the discussions that are otherwise not available from the transcripts of online discussions. Findings: Although it was not expected that synchronous interactions would yield significantly rich interactions between students, logfile analysis shows this is not the case. Critical incidents from synchronous interactions can lead to a large amount of information about the social processes of knowledge-construction. Practical implications: The significance of synchronous text-based interactions in this study suggests that an appropriate pedagogy may prove valuable for teachers employing this strategy, providing a way to reveal students' tacit understandings as they engage in knowledge construction. Originality/value: There is little comparable work involving school students undertaking knowledge-building in a synchronous, text-based environment. (Contains 3 tables and 1 figure.) (U`ilani Corr-Yorkman, 9/13/09)
 * 1) Yahoo! Chat Rooms is an internet based software service that enables synchronous sharing of information between students and instructors no matter where they are in the world. ([]) (Vincent Venzon, 9/7/09)
 * 2) **Dimdim** is a web-based web2.0 free application that is similar to Elluminate Live! without all the bells and whistles. There is a whiteboard with tools, audio, video, and text chat, file sharing and desktop sharing. One can host up to 20 people at a session for free. (@http://www.dimdim.com/ ) (Renee Adams, 9/8/09)
 * 3) GotoMeeting is very similar to Elluminate as well. Live audio conferencing, you can join a group or host a meeting, there is also file sharing, text chatting, user tools, and a whiteboard. http://www.gotomeeting.com (Nikki Kinoshita, 9/8/09)
 * 4) eLecta Live is a virtual classroom software and web conferencing tool. It, not unlike Elluminate, offers a multifunctional whiteboard, integrated audio conferencing, instant messaging and polling, file sharing, recording and playback options, a powerpoint presentation sharing tool, application and desktop sharing and a variety of mark up tools and pointers. ([|http://www.e-lecta.com] ) (Polly Quigley, 9-8-09)
 * 5) This site uses Internet-based software and services delivered over the Web that enable synchronous communication between instructor and remote participants at multiple locations. This is a registration site for a webinar utilizing the site, foreclosures.com to sell real estate foreclosures. It is accessed through a popular web conferencing site gotomeeting and gives a specific date and time for the synchronous webinar.https://www1.gotomeeting.com/island/webinar/registration.tmpl?id=530237984
 * 1) Elluminate is an online classroom that provides a learning tool that enables instructors and students to teach and learn in real time. http://www.elluminate.com/ (Tia Mayberry, 09-08-09)
 * 2) Second Life has been used by hundreds of universities around the world as part of their educational programs. The Open University, Harvard, & Stanford are just a few of the many universities that have set up virtual campuses where students can meet, attend classes, and create content together. Synchronous text chat, audio, video, and presentations are just a few of the synchronous web-based applications that can be used by [|Second Life] . (Juli Umetsu, 9/8/09)
 * 3) Arkadin Web Conferencing is a global suite of tools that is able to use for personalized on-demand audio conferencing, operator-assisted web conferencing, document/project sharing, webcam and online streaming of audio or video. The user needs to pay for the service. The website is found at []. (Stacie Fernandez, 9-9-09)
 * 4) Adobe Acrobat Connect is web conferencing software that allows students and teachers to communicate and collaborate through personal online meeting rooms. It includes video and audio conferencing, whiteboards, screen sharing and chat. [](Gail Arakaki 9/12/09)
 * 5) Cornell University has Blackboard which is a course management system that includes chat, virtual classroom, discussion, digital assessment and quizzes/tests. (Tim Stewart, 09-13-09)
 * 6) **OpenSim (Open Simulator)** is a 3D application server. Put simply, it is a server that can host a loads of data, and in this particular concept, 3D applications. It is opensource, allowing for anyone in the community to view the source code and create their own improvements. OpenSim's major, practical application is hosting online, 3D virtual worlds such as the popular Second Life MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game). In addition to hosting 3D applications, the OpenSim platform is open and compatible with many different modules, protocols, plug-ins, etc. In laymans terms, it can run a variety of commands. Within such a open source software lies the potential for users to create parties, online virtual classrooms with facilitation and feedback with visual and audio cues, and much more. Thus, OpenSim is a wonderful platofrm to run synchronous, web-based classes. In summary, OpenSim can host 3D worlds with a variety of freedom to do what one wants, with the right know how. Check it out at []. (Adam Tanare Jr., 9-13-09).
 * 7) **lernu.net** is an Esperanto language learning web site which includes synchronous tools which greatly facilitate the learning of Esperanto. Specifically, it's "tujmesaĝilo" (instant messenger) tool is a part of a side-bar which is always available, no matter where you are on the site. Anyone who is logged into the site can, at any time at all, open up the "tujmesaĝilo" and chat with anyone else who has done the same, preferably in Esperanto. Experienced "Esperantistoj" (Esperanto speakers) are, much more often than not, available and willing to talk to the user. They are simply users themselves who have learned enough Esperanto to help others. The culture behind the Esperanto movement encourages the experienced to help newcomers. Check it out at lernu.net. Create a (free) account for yourself and try this line, "Saluton, mi estas komencanto." "Hello, I am a beginner.". You can use the "Vortaro" tool to look up unknown words. While Esperanto is a very easy to learn language, I am shocked how much better an experience learning a language from a web site which included synchronous tools was than my previous online language learning experience, using a web site which had no synchronous tools. (Erik Hill, 9/13/09)
 * 8) [|www.eric.ed.gov]

14. Jing (http://www.jingproject.com/) is a very solid site the provides a number of services; project collaboration and design, you can share snapshots of a document, narrate vacation photos, comment verbally in real time on student work, and post items from Facebook or Twitter. (Josh Owens, 9/13/09) 15. [] The Naval Postgraduate School uses the Blackboard Learning Support System Version 6. Blackboard enables instructors to develop their courses in an organized password protected environment. The system also allows students to view varied course content and use the asynchronous and synchronous communication tools for collaborative group work.

16. **Share Point LMS** Share Point LMS is a platform that has a “Virtual Interactive Classroom” feature. This feature allows for real time interaction between educators and students. Using the Microsoft Office Communications Server, users can conference live and share files through this host.
 * [|www.elearningforce.info]

(Nicole Collier, September 13, 2009)